CN114980981A

CN114980981A - Fire suppression system for vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN114980981A
Application number: CN202080081209.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 德里克·M·桑达尔; 奥尔登·A·斯宾塞; 克里斯汀·M·瑞泽克
Original assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
Current assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
Priority date: 2019-12-05
Filing date: 2020-12-04
Publication date: 2022-08-30
Also published as: EP4069378A4; AU2020398095A1; US20220407174A1; EP4069378A1; WO2021111408A1

Abstract

A fire suppression system for a vehicle includes a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing, an exhaust gas detector, and a controller. The exhaust gas detector is disposed within the housing and configured to detect the presence of exhaust gas in the housing. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the exhaust gas detector indicating whether exhaust gas is detected in the enclosure, and to activate a fire suppression device to provide a fire suppressant to either the exterior or the interior of the enclosure in response to detecting exhaust gas in the enclosure.

Description

Fire suppression system for vehicle

Cross reference to related patent applications

The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/964,390, filed on 1/22/2020 and U.S. provisional application No. 62/944,226, filed on 5/12/2019, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Fire suppression systems are commonly used to protect areas and objects within the area from fire. The fire suppression system may be activated manually or automatically in response to an indication that a fire is present nearby (e.g., an ambient temperature increase beyond a predetermined threshold, etc.). Once activated, the fire suppression system spreads the fire suppressant throughout the area. The fire suppressant then suppresses or controls the fire (e.g., prevents the fire from spreading).

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a fire suppression system for a vehicle. In some embodiments, a fire suppression system includes a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing and configured to provide power to a system of a vehicle, an exhaust gas detector, and a controller. In some embodiments, an exhaust gas detector is coupled to the housing and configured to detect the presence of exhaust gas in the housing. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive a signal from the exhaust gas detector indicating whether exhaust gas is detected in the enclosure, and to activate the fire suppression device to provide a fire suppressant to either the exterior or the interior of the enclosure in response to detecting exhaust gas in the enclosure.

In some embodiments, the fire suppression system includes one or more temperature sensors configured to be disposed around the vehicle and to detect temperatures at a plurality of locations around the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to selectively activate the fire suppression device to provide a fire suppressant to one or more of a plurality of locations around the vehicle based on the detected temperature.

In some embodiments, the exhaust gas detector comprises a plurality of exhaust gas detectors. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of exhaust gas detectors is configured to detect the presence of exhaust gas emitted by a corresponding battery cell.

In some embodiments, the exhaust gas detector is configured to detect the presence or concentration of any of lithium ion battery exhaust gas, carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, ash, soot, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, ammonia, chlorine, propane, ozone, ethanol, hydrocarbons, hydrogen cyanide, combustible gases, toxic gases, corrosive gases, oxidizing gases, or electrolyte vapors in the air sample.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive a signal from the exhaust gas detector indicative of a concentration of the exhaust gas, and compare the concentration of the exhaust gas to a threshold. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the fire suppression device in response to a concentration of exhaust gas in the air sample exceeding a threshold.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to deactivate the battery cell in response to detecting exhaust gas in the enclosure.

In some embodiments, the battery cell is detachable from the housing.

In some embodiments, the fire suppression system further comprises a first fire suppression device and a second fire suppression device. In some embodiments, the first fire suppression device is configured to provide a first type of fire suppressant to the enclosure, and the second fire suppression device is configured to provide a second type of fire suppressant to the enclosure.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate a first fire suppression device to provide a first type of fire suppressant to the battery unit at a first time, and to activate a second fire suppression device to provide a second type of fire suppressant to the battery unit at a second time. In some embodiments, wherein the second time occurs after the first time.

According to some embodiments, another embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle. In some embodiments, a fire suppression system includes a housing, a battery unit disposed within the housing, an exhaust gas detector, and a controller. In some embodiments, an exhaust gas detector is disposed within the housing and configured to detect the presence of exhaust gas in the housing. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive a signal from the exhaust gas detector indicating whether exhaust gas is detected in the enclosure, and to activate the fire suppression device to provide a fire suppressant to the battery cell in response to detecting exhaust gas in the enclosure.

In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes an electric motor configured to draw power from the battery unit for one or more operations of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the one or more operations of the vehicle powered by the electric motor and the battery unit include any of a drive operation, a lighting operation, an accessory drive operation, or a vehicle-specific operation.

In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes one or more temperature sensors disposed about the vehicle and configured to detect temperatures at different locations about the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to selectively activate the fire suppression device to provide a fire suppressant to one or more of the different locations around the vehicle based on the detected temperature.

According to some embodiments, another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for detecting and responding to a fire condition of a vehicle. In some embodiments, a method includes sampling air in a battery rack of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the battery rack includes a plurality of batteries configured to power vehicle systems. In some embodiments, a method includes determining a concentration of exhaust gas in air sampled from a battery rack of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the method includes comparing the concentration of exhaust gas in the air to a threshold concentration. In some embodiments, the method includes activating a fire suppression system of the vehicle in response to a concentration of exhaust gas in the air exceeding a threshold concentration.

In some embodiments, the method further includes obtaining temperature data and smoke detection data from one or more sensors of the battery stand. In some embodiments, the method further includes analyzing the temperature data and the smoke detection data to determine whether at least one of the temperature data or the smoke detection data indicates that a fire condition exists, and activating a fire suppression system of the vehicle in response to the at least one of the temperature data or the smoke detection data indicating that a fire condition exists.

In some embodiments, obtaining temperature data and smoke detection data, analyzing the temperature data, and activating the fire suppression system are performed in response to the concentration of exhaust gas in the air being less than a threshold concentration.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a warning to an operator of the vehicle and turning off power to the battery rack in response to the concentration of exhaust gas in the air exceeding a threshold concentration.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Drawings

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fire suppression system of a vehicle that may be used with one battery rack of the vehicle according to some embodiments.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a fire suppression system of a vehicle that may be used with multiple battery racks of the vehicle according to some embodiments.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a controller that may be used with the fire suppression systems of fig. 1-2, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of a process for suppressing a fire on a vehicle having one or more battery racks, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a fire suppression system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a fire suppression system of a vehicle according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

Before turning to the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

SUMMARY

Referring generally to the drawings, a fire suppression system is shown according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system may be used with a battery and/or a battery rack of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system is configured for use with a pre-existing vehicle fire suppression system or infrastructure of a vehicle. The battery may be stored within a container (e.g., housing) on the vehicle. The fire suppression system may include an exhaust gas detector configured to monitor and detect the presence of exhaust gas in a container of the vehicle (e.g., exhaust gas emitted by the battery when the battery begins to fail). In some embodiments, one or more exhaust gas detectors are disposed at and associated with each cell. In other embodiments, a single exhaust gas detector is disposed within the interior volume of the vessel. The fire suppression system may include a controller that receives a signal generated by the exhaust gas detector to indicate the concentration and/or presence of exhaust gas.

If the concentration or content of the exhaust gas emitted by the battery rack exceeds a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold), this may indicate that a fire is likely to occur in the near future or that thermal runaway (e.g., a rapid increase in temperature) is likely to occur in the near future. The controller may activate the fire suppression device to provide a fire suppressant to the battery rack or other monitored area of the vehicle to prevent a fire from occurring (e.g., prevent or suppress combustion). Advantageously, the fire suppression system may preemptively detect and respond to conditions at the vehicle battery to prevent a fire from occurring.

The fire suppression system may also include any number of temperature or optical sensors disposed about the vehicle. For example, temperature and/or optical sensors may be disposed in an engine compartment, near a hydraulic pump, etc., or anywhere on a vehicle where a fire may occur. In some embodiments, the temperature and/or optical sensor is configured to measure temperature and/or light intensity and provide the measurement to the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the fire suppression device based on temperature and/or light intensity measurements at a monitored area of the vehicle. Advantageously, the fire suppression system may provide single cell failure detection before thermal runaway occurs. When thermal runaway occurs at a single cell, heat propagation may occur, thereby causing a domino effect into an adjacent cell and an increase in temperature in the adjacent cell. The exhaust detection may occur within five seconds of the generation of exhaust at the battery cell. The systems and methods for exhaust detection described herein may be used in addition to or in place of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) technology.

Vehicle battery monitoring and fire suppression system

Referring to fig. 1-2, various embodiments of a vehicle system 100 are shown. In some embodiments, the vehicle system 100 includes a vehicle 11 and a fire suppression system 10. In some embodiments, fire suppression system 10 is configured to monitor smoke and/or gases emitted by one or more batteries, lithium ion batteries, battery racks, lithium ion battery racks, etc. of vehicle 11. The fire suppression system 10 may monitor the exhaust gas concentration and/or smoke detection at the battery to determine whether a fire is likely to occur in the near future or whether other undesirable conditions (e.g., high temperature, etc.) exist. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system 10 is configured to activate various fire suppression devices (e.g., inert gas systems, foam systems, water and/or chemical agent systems, etc.) to suppress and prevent the occurrence of a fire on the vehicle 11. Advantageously, the fire suppression system 10 may prevent thermal runaway at the battery and prevent lithium ion batteries from burning on the vehicle.

Preventing thermal runaway of lithium ion batteries is advantageous because after a lithium ion battery burns, it may be difficult to extinguish. Thus, monitoring the gases vented by the lithium ion battery and activating the fire suppression system prior to thermal runaway may prevent or suppress the onset and/or spread of a fire, thereby facilitating a preventative fire suppression system.

With further reference to fig. 1, a fire suppression system 10 of a vehicle system 100 includes a control panel 12 (e.g., a fire panel, a controller, a processing unit, a processing device, a computer, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, etc.) and a battery rack 16 (e.g., a battery pack, a lithium ion battery, an Energy Storage System (ESS), etc.). According to some embodiments, vehicle 11 includes an air sampling detector 24a (e.g., an exhaust gas detector, a sensor, etc.) and an air sampling detector 24 b. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is configured to monitor or sense the presence of exhaust gas emitted by battery cells 19 (e.g., lithium ion battery cells of battery rack 16). In some embodiments, air sample detector 24b is functionally identical to air sample detector 24a, such that any of the functionalities of air sample detector 24a may be the functionalities of air sample detector 24 b. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24b is configured to perform or facilitate exhaust gas detection of ambient air (e.g., at a location some distance from battery rack 16) to provide a reference or baseline exhaust gas concentration for fire panel 12. In some embodiments, air sample detector 24b is integrated with air sample detector 24a in the same housing or in the same unit. In some embodiments, battery cells 19 of battery rack 16 are the source of exhaust gases. In some embodiments, the air sampling detector 24a is a gas analyzer, gas sensor, or the like, configured to detect the presence of exhaust gas emitted by the battery cells 19 of the battery rack 16. Air sampling detector 24a may be configured to draw a sample of air/gas from within battery rack 16, and the sample may be analyzed to detect the presence or concentration of exhaust gas in the sample. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is configured to detect the presence or concentration of any of lithium ion battery exhaust, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, ethane, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, ash, soot, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, ammonia, chlorine, propane, ozone, ethanol, hydrocarbons, hydrogen cyanide, combustible gases, toxic gases, corrosive gases, oxidizing gases, electrolyte vapors, and the like.

In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is or includes an oxygen or O2 sensor. The exhaust gas may be detected by an O2 sensor. In some embodiments, the O2 sensor provides sensor feedback to the control panel 12. The control panel 12 may track changes in oxygen concentration or oxygen content in the battery rack 16 over time to determine whether any of the battery cells 19 are discharging exhaust gases.

The vehicle 11 may be any residential vehicle, commercial vehicle, mobile equipment, industrial vehicle, or the like. In some embodiments, the vehicle 11 is a car, truck, trailer, hydraulic excavator, wheel loader, bulldozer, grader, forestry equipment, concrete mixer, dump truck, transportable mining equipment, or the like. In some embodiments, the vehicle 11 includes a pre-existing fire suppression system or pre-existing infrastructure for fire detection and suppression, into which the fire suppression system 10 is incorporated. In some embodiments, the vehicle 11 is an electric vehicle that is transported using power provided by the battery rack 16 and performs various functions (e.g., lifting, mining, drilling, etc. functions). In some embodiments, the vehicle 11 is an off-road vehicle that includes a suspension system configured for off-road transport. For example, the vehicle 11 may be an off-road mining machine that may be transported from location to location. In some embodiments, the vehicle 11 is a locomotive, light rail, or commercial rail vehicle.

Vehicle 11 may include a chassis 50, an axle 52, traction elements 56 (e.g., wheels, treads, etc.), and a primary mover 54 (e.g., an electric motor, a diesel engine, a petroleum engine, an internal combustion engine, a steam engine, etc.) configured to drive traction elements 56 to transport vehicle 11. In some embodiments, the primary mover 54 is also configured to drive a generator for lighting and/or electrical applications, or to charge the battery rack 16. In some embodiments, the vehicle 11 includes accessories that may be driven by the primary mover 54. In some embodiments, the vehicle 11 includes various hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. devices (e.g., articulated arms, compressors, fluid systems, etc.) configured to be driven using the mechanical energy output by the primary mover 54.

In some embodiments, the battery stand 16 is removably electrically coupled with the control panel 12 and the load connection 28. In some embodiments, the battery stand 16 is removably fixedly coupled with the vehicle 11 (e.g., with a frame of the vehicle 11, a chassis 50 of the vehicle 11, structural members of the vehicle 11, etc.). Similarly, the fire suppression system 10 may be coupled (e.g., fixedly, removably) with the chassis 50 of the vehicle 11. In this manner, the battery stand 16 may be removed and replaced by an operator of the vehicle 11. For example, the battery stand 16 may be secured to the vehicle 11, interlocked with corresponding interlocking members of the vehicle 11, or the like.

The battery rack 16 may include a plurality of battery cells 19 configured to store electrical power (e.g., in chemical form) and release electrical energy for use by the vehicle 11. In some embodiments, the primary mover 54 of the vehicle 11 is configured to use the electrical energy released by the battery stand 16 (e.g., for driving various accessories or equipment of the vehicle 11, or for lighting applications if the primary mover 54 is used for transportation of the vehicle 11 (e.g., driving the traction elements 56). In some embodiments, the battery stand 16 is configured to release electrical energy from the battery unit 19 for lighting and/or other electrical systems of the vehicle 11. in some embodiments, the primary mover 54 of the vehicle 11 is configured to charge the battery unit 19 of the battery stand 16. the battery stand 16 may release energy to any of the electric motor, the primary mover, electrical subsystems, lighting systems, etc. of the vehicle 11 via the load connection 28.

In some embodiments, the battery unit 19 is removably electrically coupled with the control panel 12 and the load connection 28 and/or removably coupled with the battery stand 16. For example, battery unit 19 may be detachable from battery stand 16 such that an operator may replace battery unit 19 (e.g., due to damage, low charge, etc.).

In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is configured to monitor and identify the presence of exhaust air vented by battery cells 19 of battery rack 16. In other embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is configured to measure the concentration of exhaust gases emitted by battery cells 19 of battery rack 16. For example, the air sampling detector 24a may measure exhaust gases in parts per million. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is configured to independently measure the concentration and/or presence of each of the various exhaust gases described in more detail above. For example, air sampling detector 24a may independently measure the concentration of each of lithium ion battery exhaust, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and the like. In some embodiments, the air sampling detector 24a is mounted (e.g., fixedly coupled, fastened, etc.) to the battery stand 16. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is disposed within battery rack 16 or within a housing in which battery rack 16 is disposed. In some embodiments, at least one air sampling detector 24a is disposed at each cell rack 16 and is configured to detect exhaust gases in the cell rack 16. In some embodiments, if air sampling detector 24a is disposed at battery stand 16 (e.g., fixedly coupled with, mounted to, disposed within, etc.) air sampling detector 24a may rely on internal airflow in battery stand 16. The battery rack 16 may include a cooling fan configured to drive airflow over the battery cells 19 of the battery rack 16 to force convective heat transfer (e.g., to cool the battery cells 19 in the battery rack 16).

Air sampling detector 24a may provide the identified presence of exhaust gas and/or concentration of exhaust gas to control panel 12. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a provides an exhaust gas sensor signal to control panel 12. In some embodiments, control panel 12 uses the exhaust sensor signal to determine whether or not a fire suppression device 20 should be stressed. In some embodiments, fire suppression apparatus 20 includes a tank, container, canister, pressure vessel, or the like, configured to store and release fire suppressant. In some embodiments, fire suppression apparatus 20 includes any piping, tubing, conduits, tubular members, release devices, nozzles, injectors, outlets, etc., configured to fluidly couple with the tank and convey or provide fire suppressant to battery rack 16 and/or the housing in which battery rack 16 is disposed, or other areas of interest of vehicle 11. In some embodiments, fire suppression apparatus 20 includes a cartridge, a relief pressure vessel, a container, a canister, or the like configured to fluidly couple with a tank storing fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the cartridge contains a pressurized vent gas configured to pressurize the fire suppressant and drive the fire suppressant into the battery rack 16 or toward the battery rack 16. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is an inert gas, a desirable gas, or the like, configured to flood and substantially fill the battery rack 16. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is a foam fire suppressant that may be sprayed onto the battery cells 19 of the battery rack 16. In some embodiments, the interior volume of the battery rack 16 is filled with a fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the entire volume of the housing (e.g., battery housing) in which the battery rack 16 is disposed is filled with a fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the liquid or dry chemistry is sprayed into the battery case. In some embodiments, the liquid or dry chemistry is sprayed onto the battery cells 19 or the battery rack 16.

Control panel 12 may receive the exhaust sensor signal from air sampling detector 24a and provide a fire suppression activation signal to the activator of fire suppression device 20. In some embodiments, control panel 12 activates fire suppression apparatus 20 by puncturing a rupture disc or otherwise fluidly coupling a canister containing vented gases with an interior volume of a vessel containing a fire suppressant. In some embodiments, control panel 12 includes processing circuitry, a processor, and/or memory configured to perform one or more processes as described herein. For example, control panel 12 may receive an exhaust gas sensor signal from air sampling detector 24a, compare the concentration of exhaust gas in battery rack 16 to a corresponding threshold, and perform one or more operations in response to one or more of the concentrations of exhaust gas exceeding the corresponding threshold.

Still referring to fig. 1, the vehicle system 100 may include a battery management system 18. In some embodiments, the battery management system 18 is configured to operate the battery cells 19 of the battery rack 16. For example, the battery management system 18 may be configured to activate or deactivate the battery cells 19 of the battery rack 16 such that a user, various electrical systems, various lighting systems, a primary mover 54, various motors, etc., may draw power from the battery cells 19 of the battery rack 16 (e.g., at the load connection 28). In some embodiments, the battery management system 18 is configured to shut down power from the battery cells 19 of the battery rack 16 in response to receiving a control signal from the control panel 12. For example, the battery management system 18 may receive a command from the control panel 12 to shut down the battery rack 16 in response to exhaust gas in the battery rack 16 exceeding a corresponding threshold. The control panel 12 may generate a battery control signal based on the exhaust sensor signal and provide the battery control signal to the battery management system 18. In some embodiments, the battery management system 18 receives battery control signals from the control panel 12 and uses the battery control signals to control or shut down the battery racks 16. The battery control signals generated by the control panel 12 and the operations performed by the battery management system 18 may include changing the position of a switch, adjusting the output voltage of the battery rack 16, adjusting its output current, and the like.

In some embodiments, the vehicle system 100 or the fire suppression system 10 further includes a smoke detector 22. In some embodiments, smoke detector 22 is a sensor configured to measure smoke, ash, particulate matter, smoke, airborne particles, and the like. The smoke detector 22 may draw an air sample from the battery rack 16 and detect the presence or concentration of particulate (e.g., airborne particulate) matter in the air sample. In some embodiments, the smoke detector 22 provides a smoke detection signal to the control panel 12. In some embodiments, control panel 12 may use the smoke detection signal to activate fire suppression device 20. In some embodiments, the control panel 12 uses smoke detection to generate and provide battery control signals to the battery management system 18. The smoke detector 22 may be disposed at or near the battery stand 16, within a housing containing the battery stand 16, or the like.

Still referring to fig. 1, the control panel 12 may provide warning and/or alarm communications/signals to one or more warning devices 14 of the vehicle 11. In some embodiments, the warning/alarm signal is generated by the control panel 12 based on one or more of an exhaust gas sensor signal received from the air sampling detector 24a (e.g., based on the presence of exhaust gas in the battery rack 16, based on the concentration of exhaust gas in the battery rack 16, etc.), a smoke detection signal received from the smoke detector 22 (e.g., based on the presence of airborne particulate matter, based on the concentration of airborne particulate matter, etc.), and the like. In some embodiments, the vehicle system 100 also includes one or more temperature sensors 36 configured to sense a temperature within the battery stand 16 or at the battery stand 16. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 36 is configured to measure or sense a temperature in a container, housing, or the like in which the battery rack 16 is disposed. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 36 is any of an optical temperature sensor, a thermocouple, a thermally responsive member, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based temperature sensor, and the like. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 36 provides a measured/sensed temperature of the battery rack 16, a temperature within the battery rack 16, a temperature at any or all of the battery cells 19 of the battery rack 16, a temperature within a container in which the battery rack 16 is stored, and the like, and provides the temperature to the control panel 12. The control panel 12 may use the measured temperature to generate a warning/alarm signal, a battery control signal, and/or a fire suppression release signal.

The control panel 12 may also operate the warning device 14 of the vehicle 11 in response to detecting that a fire has occurred at the battery rack 16 or in response to determining that a fire is likely to occur at the battery rack 16 in the near future. For example, the control panel 12 may use any of the exhaust gas sensor signals, the smoke detection signals, and/or the temperature at the battery rack 16 to preemptively detect a fire at the battery rack 16 (e.g., detect that a fire is likely to occur in the near future before the fire occurs), and preemptively respond to prevent the fire. In some embodiments, the control panel 12 preemptively detects a fire at the battery rack 16 and responds to prevent thermal runaway at the battery rack 16, thereby preventing the fire from occurring at the battery rack 16.

In some embodiments, the warning device 14 is various lighting devices, speakers, display screens, user interfaces, etc. of the vehicle 11. For example, one or more of the warning devices 14 may be pre-existing on the vehicle 11 (e.g., a user interface within a cab of the vehicle 11). In some embodiments, one or more of the warning devices 14 are pre-existing as part of the fire suppression system of the vehicle 11. For example, the vehicle 11 may include a fire suppression system configured to monitor various areas of interest (e.g., an engine compartment) of the vehicle 11 and provide fire suppression for the monitored areas of the vehicle 11. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a may be integrated with a vehicle11 are used together. For example, the pre-existing Fire suppression system of the vehicle 11 may be from the Thailand Fire Protection Products (Tyco Fire Protection Products) brand

Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS) or Checkfire 210 detection and actuation system.

Still referring to fig. 1, the warning device 14 may be or include any one of a visual warning device (e.g., a light emitting device, a light emitting diode, etc.), an audible warning device (e.g., a speaker, a sound generating device, etc.), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the control panel 12 is configured to provide a warning signal to the warning device 14 in response to detecting a fire or in response to determining that a fire is likely to occur at any of the battery racks 16 in the near future (e.g., in response to detecting the presence of exhaust gas in any of the battery racks 16, in response to detecting that the concentration of exhaust gas in any of the battery racks 16 exceeds a corresponding threshold, etc.), or in response to detecting that a fire has occurred at any of the areas or spaces of the vehicle 11 detected by the sensors 30. In some embodiments, the control panel 12 operates the warning device 14 to provide a visual and/or audible warning or indication to a user, driver or vehicle operator that a fire has occurred or is likely to occur. The warning device 14 may be configured to generate an alarm noise, emit a colored light, etc. in response to receiving a warning signal from the control panel 12 to warn a user that a fire has occurred or is likely to occur at the battery rack 16. In some embodiments, control panel 12 is configured to operate warning device 14 in response to determining that stress-hazard fire suppression apparatus 20 is in operation. In this way, the warning device 14 may be used to inform the user that the fire suppression apparatus 20 has been activated.

In some embodiments, the vehicle 11 is a heavy industrial vehicle. If the vehicle 11 is a heavy industrial vehicle, the fire suppression system 10 may experience a bump or impact (e.g., when the vehicle 11 travels over bumps, uneven terrain, holes, etc.). For example, a bump or impact may be transferred to the fire suppression system 10 through the traction elements 56 and the chassis 50. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is disposed entirely within battery rack 16 to facilitate the robustness of fire suppression system 10. For example, the air sampling detector 24a may be disposed within a sealed or vented interior volume of the battery stand 16 (shown in fig. 2) defined by the housing 17 of the battery stand 16. In this manner, air sampling detector 24a may obtain an air sample for exhaust monitoring, measurement, or detection without requiring an additional plumbing component fluidly coupled with battery rack 16. The air sampling detector 24a may be mounted within the housing 17 of the battery stand 16 or within another housing containing the housing 17 and the battery stand 16. For example, the air sampling detector 24a may be fixedly coupled with an interior surface of the housing 17 of the battery stand 16. In some embodiments, disposing and fixedly coupling air sampling detector 24a within housing 17 of battery rack 16 facilitates a more robust fire suppression system 10 that is resilient to impacts, bumps, or shocks that may be transferred to fire suppression system 10 by vehicle 11. In some embodiments, disposing and fixedly coupling the air sampling detector 24a within the housing 17 of the battery stand 16 (or within another housing of the housing 17 containing the battery stand 16) removes the need for plumbing components (e.g., pipes, tubular members, elbows, etc.) that may be sensitive to impacts experienced by the vehicle 11.

Still referring to fig. 1, fire suppression system 10 may include fire suppression equipment 20, sensors 30, warning devices 14, and control panel 12. In some embodiments, fire suppression apparatus 20, sensors 30, warning devices 14, and control panel 12 are components of a vehicle Fire Suppression System (FSS) infrastructure. For example, the control panel 12 may be the same as or similar to the ICM 620 of the system 600 as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 6, or may be the same as or similar to the controller 856 of the fire suppression system 800 as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 5. In some embodiments, the sensor 30 is the same as or similar to any of the fire detection devices 632 of the system 600, described in more detail below with reference to fig. 6, or the temperature sensors 858 of the fire suppression system 800, described in more detail below with reference to fig. 5. Similarly, the fire suppression apparatus 20 may be the same as or similar to any of the storage tanks 614 and devices, nozzles, tubular members, conduits, activation devices, etc. of the system 600 for providing fire suppressant to an area as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 6.

Referring specifically to fig. 2, the vehicle system 100 may include a plurality of battery racks 16. For example, the vehicle system 100 may include n battery racks 16. In some embodiments, the n battery racks 16 are disposed within a housing 32 (e.g., a casing, a container, etc. of the vehicle 11). In some embodiments, if the battery racks 16 are disposed within the housing 32, the air sampling detector 24a may be disposed outside the housing 17 of each battery rack 16, but within the housing 32. For example, air sampling detector 24a may be fixedly coupled with an exterior surface of housing 17. In some embodiments, fire suppression system 10 includes a plurality of air sampling detectors 24 a. For example, the fire suppression system 10 may include an air sampling detector 24a for each battery rack 16.

In some embodiments, the volume of the air sample drawn from the battery rack 16 is substantially uniform. For example, each air sampling detector 24a may draw a volume of air V from the corresponding battery rack 16 _sample . In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a uses a known volume of air sample drawn from cell holder 16 to determine the concentration of exhaust gas in the corresponding cell holder 16. Air sampling detector 24a may be disposed within housing 17 of its corresponding battery rack 16, or may be disposed within housing 32. In some embodiments, each air sampling detector 24a is configured to provide an exhaust gas sensor signal to control panel 12.

It should be understood that while fig. 1-2 show various embodiments of the vehicle system 100, any of the devices, components, functionality, etc. of the vehicle system 100 as shown in fig. 1-2 may be combined. For example, the smoke detector 22 of the embodiment of the vehicle system 100 shown in fig. 1 may be integrated into or included in the embodiment of the vehicle system 100 as shown in fig. 2 and described in more detail above.

Control panel

Referring now to FIG. 3, the control panel 12 is shown in greater detail, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, control panel 12 is configured to receive various sensor signals and determine whether one or more of the fire suppression devices 20 should be activated based on the received sensor signals. Any of the functionalities of the control panel 12 as described herein with reference to fig. 3 may be performed by the ICM 620 or the controller 856 as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 6 and 5, respectively. For example, the functionality of the control panel 12 as described herein may be distributed across multiple devices or through a single controller. In some embodiments, the fire suppression device 20 is a centralized fire suppression system of the vehicle 11. In some embodiments, if the control panel 12 detects or determines that a fire condition exists, the control panel 12 may alert a central fire suppression system of the vehicle 11. For example, the control panel 12 may provide notifications or alerts to a central fire suppression system of the vehicle 11, a central control system of the vehicle 11, a vehicle operator, and the like.

The control panel 12 may be a controller and is shown to include a processing circuit 302 that includes a processor 304 and a memory 306. The processor 304 may be a general or special purpose processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), a set of processing components, or other suitable processing components. The processor 304 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in the memory 306 or received from other computer-readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, remote server, etc.).

Memory 306 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in this disclosure. Memory 306 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical storage, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory 306 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting various activities and information structures described in this disclosure. The memory 306 may be communicatively connected to the processor 304 via the processing circuit 302 and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by the processor 304) one or more processes described herein. When the processor 304 executes instructions stored in the memory 306, the processor 304 typically configures the control panel 12 (and more particularly the processing circuitry 302) to accomplish such activities.

In some embodiments, the control panel 12 includes a communication interface 308 (e.g., a USB port, a wireless transceiver, etc.) configured to receive and transmit data. The communication interface 308 may include a wired or wireless communication interface (e.g., jack, antenna, transmitter, receiver, transceiver, wire terminals, etc.) for data communication with an external system or device. In various embodiments, the communication may be direct communication (e.g., local wired or wireless communication) or via a communication network (e.g., WAN, internet, cellular network, etc.). For example, the communication interface 308 may include a USB port or an ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data over an ethernet-based communication link or network. In another example, the communication interface 308 may include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communication network or a cellular or mobile telephone communication transceiver. In some embodiments, communication interface 308 facilitates wired or wireless communication between control panel 12 and air sampling detector 24a (and/or air sampling detector 24b), smoke detector 22, temperature sensor 36, battery management system 18, fire suppression device 20, warning device 14, and/or sensor 30.

Still referring to fig. 3, memory 306 is shown to include an exhaust manager 312, a fire suppression manager 314, an alert manager 310, and a battery manager 316. In some embodiments, exhaust manager 312 is configured to process or analyze sensor data or sensor signals received from either of air sampling detector 24a or air sampling detector 24b to determine whether exhaust gas is present at either of battery racks 16, or to determine a concentration of exhaust gas within battery racks 16 (or to determine a concentration of exhaust gas in the environment using signals obtained from air sampling detector 24 b). In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 314 is configured to use the concentration of exhaust gases and/or the presence of detected exhaust gases in battery rack 16 to determine whether or not fire suppression devices 20 should be activated, to determine whether or not battery management system 18 should be shut down, and to determine whether or not an alert should be provided via alert device 14. In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 314 is configured to use sensor data obtained by smoke detector 22 and/or temperature sensor 36 in addition to exhaust gas detection to determine whether or not a fire suppression device 20 should be activated. The alert manager 310 is configured to operate in cooperation with the fire suppression manager 314 to provide an appropriate alert or alarm. Battery manager 316 is configured to use any of the outputs of fire suppression manager 314 (e.g., shutdown commands, fire detection, temperature rise, etc.) to provide battery control signals to battery management system 18.

Still referring to FIG. 3, exhaust manager 312 is shown receiving an exhaust sensor signal from air sampling detector 24 a. In some embodiments, exhaust manager 312 is configured to receive the exhaust sensor signal from air sampling detector 24a and determine whether exhaust gas is present within the corresponding battery rack 16. In some embodiments, the exhaust manager 312 provides an indication to the fire suppression manager 314 of whether exhaust is present/detected within the corresponding battery rack 16 and to which battery racks 16 the indication corresponds. For example, the binary decision variable d of the jth cell bay 16 _j Has a value of 1 indicating that exhaust gas is currently detected in the jth cell bay 16, or has a value of 0 indicating that exhaust gas is not currently detected in the jth cell bay 16. In this case, the exhaust gas manager 312 may provide the value of the decision variable d for each battery rack 16. For example, the first battery rack 16 may have an associated decision variable d ₁ The second battery rack 16 may have an associated decision variable d ₂ Etc., and the nth battery rack 16 may have an associated decision variable d _n 。

In some embodiments, exhaust manager 312 is configured to identify the concentration of exhaust in the associated battery rack 16 using the exhaust sensor signal received from any of air sampling detectors 24 a. For example, the exhaust gas manager 312 may determine the concentration C of the jth cell rack 16 _j . In this manner, if n battery racks 16 are used, the exhaust gas manager 312 may use the received exhaust gas sensor signals to identify C ₁ 、C ₂ 、……、C _n A value of (b), wherein C ₁ For the detection of the concentration of exhaust gases in the first cell holder 16, C ₂ Is the detected concentration of the exhaust gas in the second cell holder 16, etc., and C _n The detected concentration of the exhaust gas in the nth cell holder 16. In some embodiments, the concentration has a value of one part per million (e.g., C) _j Ppm exhaust gas), volume V of the detected exhaust gas _gas Volume V of air sample _sample The ratio of (a) to (b) (e.g.,

) Detecting mass m of exhaust gas _gas Mass m of air sample _sample The ratio of (a) to (b) (e.g.,

) And the like. In some embodiments, the concentration indicates a ratio of an amount of off-gas in the sample to a total amount of air sample.

In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24b provides an exhaust gas sensor signal for detecting the concentration or presence of exhaust gas in the environment or surrounding area. The concentration or presence of exhaust gas may indicate a reference or baseline concentration of exhaust gas (e.g., external to the battery rack 16). The exhaust manager 312 may adjust the concentration (e.g., concentration C) of the exhaust of the battery rack 16 _j ) With the concentration of exhaust gases in the environment or surrounding area (e.g., concentration C) _amb ) A comparison is made to determine the concentration of exhaust gas (e.g., C) at the cell rack 16 _j ) The difference (e.g., Δ C) from the concentration of exhaust gas in the environment or surrounding area _j ). In some embodiments, the difference Δ C may be used _j In place of concentration C _j (e.g., by exhaust manager 312, fire suppression manager 314, alert manager 310, battery manager 316, etc.).

In some embodiments, fire panel 12 is configured to monitor concentration C in real time _j Environmental concentration C _am x or the difference Δ C _j Any one or any combination thereof. Fire panel 12 (e.g., exhaust manager 312) may be configured to detect concentration C _j Environmental concentration C _amb Or a difference Δ C of less than 1ppm _j A variation of any of the above.

In some embodiments, exhaust manager 312 compares the concentration C of n cell racks 16 ₁ 、C ₂ 、……、C _n Either of which is provided to fire suppression manager 314. In some embodiments, the fire suppression manager 314 is configured to analyze the exhaust gas concentration to identify whether a fire is likely to occur at any of the battery racks 16 of the vehicle 11 in the near future. Fire suppression manager 314 may receive the concentration from exhaust gas manager 312 and compare the concentration to a threshold concentration value C _threshold A comparison is made. In some embodiments, the threshold concentration value C _threshold A predetermined value that indicates whether there is a large amount of exhaust gas in the battery rack 16. In some embodiments, C _threshold Equal to zero or substantially equal to zero such that the fire suppression manager 314 determines that a fire is likely to occur at the battery rack 16 in response to any amount of exhaust gas detected in the battery rack 16.

In response to the concentration C ₁ 、C ₂ 、……、C _n Exceeds a threshold concentration value C _threshold The fire suppression manager 314 may determine that a fire is likely to occur at the corresponding battery rack 16 in the near future. In response to determining that a fire is likely to occur at the corresponding battery rack 16 in the near future, the fire suppression manager 314 may generate and provide an activation signal (e.g., a fire suppression release signal) to the fire suppression devices 20 to activate the fire suppression devices 20 and release the fire suppressant to suppress or prevent the fire from occurring. If the concentration of exhaust gas in any of the cell racks 16 does not exceed the threshold concentration value C _threshold Fire suppression manager 314 does not activate fire suppression device 20 and continues to periodically check the concentration of exhaust gas as provided by exhaust gas manager 312.

In some embodiments, the fire suppression manager 314 is configured to receive smoke detection signals and temperature signals from the smoke detector 22 and the temperature sensor 36, respectively. The fire suppression manager 314 may use the smoke detection and the temperature at any of the battery racks 16 to determine whether a fire has occurred or is likely to occur. The fire suppression manager 314 may compare the temperature at each battery rack 16 to a corresponding threshold temperature to determine whether a fire has occurred or whether a fire is likely to occur in the near future. In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 314 activates fire suppression device 20 in response to the temperature at any of battery racks 16 exceeding a threshold temperature value or in response to smoke detection indicating smoke is present in any of battery racks 16.

In some embodiments, the fire suppression manager 314 receives sensed temperature values associated with each battery rack 16 from the temperature sensors 36. Fire suppression manager 314 may determine the temperature

Rate of change over time. In some embodiments, if the temperature is

Exceeds a corresponding temperature change rate threshold for a predetermined duration at

(e.g., if the temperature at one of the battery racks 16 increases rapidly within a predetermined duration), the fire suppression manager 314 may determine that a fire is likely to occur at one of the battery racks 16 and may activate the fire suppression devices 20 to prevent the fire from occurring or suppress the fire if it has occurred.

In this manner, fire suppression manager 314 may use exhaust gas concentration, smoke detection, and temperature to preemptively activate fire suppression devices 20 to prevent a fire from occurring at battery rack 16 of vehicle 11. In some embodiments, the vehicle system 100 also includes an optical sensor configured to measure heat or light rejected by the fire. In this way, the fire suppression manager 314 may receive sensor data from the optical sensors and use the sensor data to determine whether a fire has occurred.

In some embodiments, the fire suppression manager 314 is configured to obtain sensor measurements from the sensors 30. The sensor 30 may be any optical or temperature sensor disposed at a monitored space, region, component, device, primary mover (e.g., primary mover 54), internal combustion engine, etc., of the vehicle 11. For example, the sensors 30 may be disposed at an area or zone of the vehicle 11 where fuel may be present and thus may combust. In some embodiments, the sensors 30 are configured to measure the temperature and/or light intensity of any area of the vehicle 11 to be monitored (e.g., a location of the vehicle 11 other than the battery rack 16 where a fire may occur). In some embodiments, the sensors 30 are communicatively coupled with the fire suppression manager 314 via the communication interface 308. For example, the sensor 30 may be configured to communicate with the fire suppression manager 314 by a technician through plug and play. A technician may install, fixedly couple, position, etc. any of the sensors 30 at an area or zone of the vehicle 11 to be monitored, and may communicably couple the sensors 30 with the control panel 12 via a cable. In some embodiments, the sensors 30 are configured to communicate with the control panel 12 to wirelessly provide their sensor measurements (e.g., temperature measurements, optical measurements, infrared measurements, thermal measurements, etc.) to the fire suppression manager 314.

The fire suppression manager 314 may use the sensor measurements to determine whether a fire has occurred at any of the monitored spaces (e.g., areas, devices, components, etc. of the vehicle 11 other than the battery rack 16 that are monitored by the sensors 30) or whether a fire has occurred or is likely to occur at the battery rack 16. In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 314 is configured to activate any of fire suppression devices 20 in response to determining that a fire has occurred at any of the monitored areas (e.g., using sensor measurements and/or exhaust gas concentrations). In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 314 is configured to provide activation signals to various fire suppression devices 20 based on the location of the detected fire. For example, if the fire suppression manager 314 determines that a fire is likely to occur at the battery rack 16 based on the exhaust gas concentration, but the fire has not occurred at the area of the vehicle 11 monitored by the sensors 30, the fire suppression manager 314 may activate the fire suppression devices 20 configured to provide fire suppression for the battery rack 16, while not activating the other fire suppression devices 20. Likewise, if the fire suppression manager 314 determines that a fire has occurred at any of the areas monitored by the sensors 30, but that a fire has not occurred or is not predicted to occur at the battery rack 16, the fire suppression manager 314 may activate the fire suppression devices 20 configured to provide fire suppression to the areas monitored by the sensors 30, but not to the battery rack 16.

In some embodiments, fire suppression system 10 includes multiple types of fire suppression devices 20. For example, the fire suppression apparatus 20 configured to provide fire suppression to the battery racks 16 may be an inert gas-based device configured to deliver, provide, inject, etc., inert gas to the battery racks 16. In some embodiments, a fire suppression device 20 associated with the battery rack 16 is configured to provide an inert gas to an interior volume of the battery rack 16 (e.g., an interior volume defined by the housing 17 of the battery rack 16). In some embodiments, the fire suppression equipment 20 associated with the battery rack 16 is configured to provide an inert gas to the interior volume of the enclosure 32.

In some embodiments, the fire suppression device 20 is configured to provide fire suppression to an area monitored by the sensors 30 (e.g., an area of the vehicle 11 other than the battery rack 16, such as an engine compartment, a fuel system, etc.).

In some embodiments, battery rack 16 is also associated with one or more fire suppression devices 20. For example, each battery rack 16 may be associated with a fire suppression apparatus 20 configured to transport inert gas in addition to the fire suppression apparatus 20 configured to apply a foamed fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the fire suppression manager 314 operates both inert gas fire suppression devices 20 and foam fire suppression devices 20 to suppress a fire or prevent a fire from occurring at the battery rack 16. For example, the fire suppression manager 314 may first activate the inert gas fire suppression apparatus 20, and then activate the foam fire suppression apparatus 20. In this manner, the fire suppression system 10 may be configured to perform bijection fire suppression (e.g., by activating one or more inert gas fire suppression devices 20 and one or more foam fire suppression devices 20 sequentially and/or simultaneously) on the battery rack 16. Advantageously, this may reduce the likelihood of or extinguish a fire at the battery rack 16.

For example, fire suppression manager 314 may operate one or more fire suppression devices 20 to release inert gas into battery rack 16 or around battery rack 16 at the initial detection of exhaust gas in battery rack 16. After activation of the inert gas fire suppression device 20, a second or multiple releases may be triggered or initiated by the fire suppression manager 314 to provide any number of fire suppression agents into the battery rack 16 or housing 32 (e.g., chemicals, water, foam, etc.) to facilitate rapid heat removal in the battery rack 16 or housing 32.

Fire suppression manager 314 may also provide shutdown commands to battery manager 316. In some embodiments, if an activation signal is provided to fire suppression device 20, or if fire suppression manager 314 determines that the temperature increases at a rate above a temperature change rate threshold, then fire suppression manager 314 provides a shutdown command to battery manager 316. In this manner, battery manager 316 may generate battery control signals to shut down battery rack 16 concurrently with activating fire suppression device 20 (e.g., in response to detecting a fire, or in response to fire suppression manager 314 determining that a fire is likely to occur in the near future). Likewise, if the temperature at the battery rack 16 exceeds a maximum allowed temperature (e.g., a threshold temperature value), the fire suppression manager 314 may provide a shutdown command to the battery manager 316. In some embodiments, fire suppression manager 314 provides a shutdown command to battery manager 316 without providing an activation signal to fire suppression device 20. For example, if the temperature at the battery rack 16 begins to increase at a fast rate (e.g., above a corresponding rate-of-change threshold) for at least one time interval, or if the temperature at the battery rack 16 exceeds a maximum allowed temperature, the fire suppression manager 314 may provide a shutdown command to the battery manager 316 without providing an activation signal to the fire suppression devices 20. In this manner, battery manager 316 may shut down battery rack 16 without activating fire suppression device 20.

Battery manager 316 receives shutdown commands from fire suppression manager 314 and provides battery control signals to battery management system 18, battery rack 16, or switches. In some embodiments, the battery management system 18 shuts down the battery rack 16 in response to receiving a shutdown control signal such that power cannot be drawn from the battery cells of the battery rack 16. In some embodiments, all of the battery racks 16 are closed. In some embodiments, a particular battery rack 16 associated with a high temperature (e.g., a temperature that exceeds a maximum allowable temperature) or a rapidly increasing temperature (e.g., a temperature that increases at a rate greater than a maximum rate of change threshold) is shut down.

The fire suppression manager 314 may also provide an indication to the alert manager 310 regarding operations performed in response to detecting a fire or in response to determining that a fire is likely to occur in the near future. For example, if fire suppression manager 314 provides an activation signal to fire suppression apparatus 20, fire suppression manager 314 may also notify alert manager 310 that fire suppression apparatus 20 has been activated. In some embodiments, if fire suppression manager 314 activates fire suppression devices 20 to preemptively suppress a fire at the battery rack, fire suppression manager 314 also provides an indication to alert manager 310 that fire suppression devices 20 are preemptively activated. Likewise, if fire suppression manager 314 activates fire suppression devices 20 due to a fire occurring at battery rack 16, fire suppression manager 314 may also notify warning manager 310 to activate fire suppression devices 20 due to the fire occurring. Additionally, fire suppression manager 314 may provide notification to alert manager 310 of whether to provide shutdown commands to battery manager 316 or which battery racks 16 to shutdown.

The alert manager 310 receives notification of any of the operations of the fire suppression manager 314 and provides an appropriate alert. The warning manager 310 may provide a warning (e.g., a visual warning, an audible warning, etc.) to an operator of the vehicle 11 via the warning device 14. In some embodiments, the alert manager 310 provides different alerts or alerts to certain devices/systems based on notifications of operations received from the fire suppression manager 314. In some embodiments, the alert provided to the operator via the alert device 14 includes a notification received from the fire suppression manager 314 and/or a reason for performing various operations. For example, the warning manager 310 may warn an operator that a fire is detected at the first battery rack 16 and that the battery rack 16 is closed and that the fire suppression apparatus 20 has been activated in response to the fire. Likewise, warning manager 310 may warn an operator via warning device 14 that battery rack 16 is shut down due to high temperatures, but that fire suppression equipment 20 is not active.

The warning device 14 may also be or include a display screen configured to provide status of the battery management system 18, temperature detection at the battery rack 16, smoke detection in the battery rack 16, exhaust gas detection in the battery rack 16, rate of change of temperature at the battery rack 16, sensor measurements obtained by the sensors 30, and the like. In some embodiments, warning device 14 is also configured to display the current status of fire suppression equipment 20 (e.g., whether fire suppression equipment 20 has been activated, the time at which fire suppression equipment 20 was activated, the reason for activating fire suppression equipment 20, etc.).

Advantageously, the control panel 12 is configured to monitor the exhaust gas concentration in a battery rack 16 of the vehicle 11 (e.g., disposed within the housing 32) and proactively activate the fire suppression equipment 20 to reduce the likelihood of a fire occurring and prevent thermal runaway. Since battery fires can be particularly difficult to extinguish after combustion, preemptively detecting and responding to a fire by monitoring exhaust gas discharged by the battery cells of the battery rack 16 reduces the likelihood of a fire occurring, thereby reducing the likelihood of the battery rack 16 or surrounding objects (e.g., various components of the vehicle 11) being damaged or destroyed by the fire.

Battery fire suppression process

Referring now to fig. 4, a process 400 for monitoring a battery rack of a vehicle and preemptively responding to various conditions at the battery rack to prevent combustion is shown, according to some embodiments. Process 400 includes steps 402-416 and may be performed by vehicle system 100, fire suppression system 10, control panel 12, and/or various components thereof. Advantageously, process 400 may be performed to monitor the exhaust gas emitted by a failed cell and thereby prevent thermal runaway and combustion of the cell.

According to some embodiments, process 400 includes sampling air in a battery rack on a vehicle (step 402). In some embodiments, step 402 is performed by air sampling detector 24 a. In some embodiments, step 402 is performed by exhaust gas manager 312 and/or air sample detector 24 a. In some embodiments, air sampling detector 24a is disposed within housing 17 or within housing 32 of battery rack 16 such that an air sample may be obtained and analyzed by air sampling detector 24 a. In other embodiments, step 402 is performed by receiving an air sample from within each of the battery racks 16 if there is a forced airflow through the battery racks 16.

According to some embodiments, process 400 includes detecting a concentration Cj of exhaust gas in each cell holder based on the air sample (step 404). In some embodiments, step 404 is performed by air sampling detector 24 a. In some embodiments, step 404 includes identifying the concentration of one or more of the various gases vented by the battery cell at the time the battery cell begins to fail. Concentrations may be measured or detected in parts per million (ppm), percent concentrations, ratios between volumes of exhaust gas and air samples, and the like. In some embodiments, exhaust gas manager 312 is configured to receive the sensor signal from air sampling detector 24a and use the sensor signal to identify the concentration of exhaust gas in the air sample.

According to some embodiments, process 400 includes comparing the concentration C of exhaust gas in each cell holder _j With a threshold concentration value C _threshold A comparison is made (step 406) and the concentration C of exhaust gases in each cell holder is determined _j Whether or not a threshold concentration value C is exceeded _threshold (step 408). In some embodiments,

steps

406 and 408 are performed by fire suppression manager 314 to determine whether a fire suppression device 20 should be activated. In some embodiments, the threshold concentration value C _threshold Is the maximum allowable threshold. Above threshold concentration value C _threshold May indicate that the battery cells 19 of a particular battery rack 16 are exhausting and are in the process of failing. In some embodiments, the threshold concentration value C _threshold Has a value of zero such that any amount of exhaust gas triggers exhaust gas detection and fire suppression response. In some embodiments, the threshold concentration value C _threshold Is a value determined based on empirical testing. According to some embodiments, in response to the concentration of exhaust gas in the battery rack 16 exceeding a threshold concentration value C _threshold The process 400 proceeds to step 410. In some embodiments, responsive to electricityThe concentration of the exhaust gases in the cell holder 16 is substantially equal to a threshold concentration value C _threshold The process 400 proceeds to step 410. In some embodiments, in response to the concentration of exhaust gas in the battery rack 16 being less than the threshold concentration value C _threshold The process 400 proceeds to step 416 (or returns to step 402).

According to some embodiments, the process 400 includes responding to the concentration or content of exhaust gas in the battery rack 16 being greater than (or greater than or equal to) a threshold concentration value G _threshold And the vehicle's fire suppression system or fire suppression equipment is activated (step 410). In some embodiments, step 410 includes activating fire suppression apparatus 20 to provide fire suppressant to battery rack 16 (e.g., within housing 32). In some embodiments, step 410 includes fluidly coupling housing 32 with one or more fire suppression devices 20 such that fire suppressant may be provided to the interior volume of housing 17 and/or housing 32. In some embodiments, step 410 includes performing a "double" or "multiple" fire suppression operation to suppress, prevent, extinguish, etc. a fire at one or more battery racks. For example, step 410 may include activating a first fire suppression device or a first set of components of a fire suppression system to provide inert gas to a battery rack. After providing the inert gas to the battery racks, step 410 may include activating a second one or more fire suppression devices or components of the fire suppression system to provide a fire suppressant other than the inert gas to the battery racks (e.g., chemical fire suppressant, foam suppressant, water, etc.). In some embodiments, the various fire suppression devices are activated at least simultaneously such that one or more types of fire suppression agents are provided to the battery rack simultaneously.

According to some embodiments, process 400 includes providing a warning to a vehicle operator (step 412). In some embodiments, step 412 includes providing a warning to the vehicle operator via warning device 14. In some embodiments, the alert includes an indication of whether fire suppression device 20 has been activated and/or whether battery rack 16 has been shut down. In some embodiments, step 412 is performed by alert manager 310. In some embodiments, step 412 includes operating the warning device 14 to provide a visual and/or audible warning. In this manner, if exhaust gas is detected, the vehicle operator may be alerted by operation of the alerting device 14.

According to some embodiments, process 400 includes shutting down the battery rack (step 414). In some embodiments, step 414 is performed by battery manager 316. In some embodiments, step 414 includes operating the battery stand 16 such that the battery unit does not provide power to the end user or to the end use (e.g., operating various systems of the vehicle 11, primary propulsion, electric motors, etc.). In some embodiments, any of steps 410 through 414 are performed simultaneously. In some embodiments, the alert provided in step 412 includes an indication of the status of the battery stand 16 (e.g., whether the battery stand 16 is closed/deactivated).

According to some embodiments, process 400 includes analyzing the temperature and smoke detection of each battery rack (step 416). In some embodiments, step 416 includes receiving smoke detection and/or temperature sensor feedback at the battery rack 16 from the smoke detector 22 and/or temperature sensor 36. In some embodiments, step 416 is performed by the fire suppression manager 314 and includes comparing the smoke detection or temperature to a corresponding threshold. In some embodiments, step 416 is optional. If smoke detection and/or temperature indicates a fire (e.g., if smoke is detected, or if temperature exceeds a threshold), process 400 may proceed to step 410 and activate fire suppression equipment 20 to suppress the fire. If smoke detection and/or temperature do not indicate a fire (e.g., if smoke is not detected and if the temperature does not exceed a threshold) or a fire condition, process 400 returns to step 402.

Fire suppression apparatus and system

Referring to fig. 5, a fire suppression system 800 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, fire suppression system 800 may be used on a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 11) having a control panel 12. For example, the fire suppression system 800 may be configured to provide a fire suppressant to the battery rack 16 (e.g., into the housing 17 or the housing 32). In one embodiment, the fire suppression system 800 is a chemical fire suppression system. The fire suppression system 800 is configured to distribute or distribute a fire suppressant on and/or near a fire, thereby extinguishing the fire and preventing the fire from spreading. The fire suppression system 800 may be used alone or in combination with other types of fire suppression systems (e.g., building sprinkler systems, hand-held fire extinguishers, etc.). In some embodiments, multiple fire suppression systems 10 are used in combination with one another to cover a larger area (e.g., each in a different room of a building). In a preferred embodiment, the fire suppression system 800 is a gaseous fire suppression system that uses a gaseous fire suppressant (e.g., an inert or chemical gaseous fire suppressant).

The fire suppression system 800 may be used in a variety of different applications. Different applications may require different types of fire suppressants and different degrees of mobility. The fire suppression system 800 may be used with a variety of different fire suppressants (e.g., powders, liquids, foams, or other fluid or flowable materials). The fire suppression system 800 may be used in a variety of stationary applications. By way of example, the fire suppression system 800 may be used in kitchens (e.g., for oil or grease fires, etc.), libraries, data centers (e.g., for electronics fires, etc.), gas stations (e.g., for gasoline or propane fires, etc.), or in other stationary applications. Alternatively, the fire suppression system 800 may be used in various mobile applications. By way of example, the fire suppression system 800 may be incorporated into a land vehicle (e.g., a racing vehicle, a forestry vehicle, a construction vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, a mining vehicle, a passenger vehicle, a trash vehicle, etc.), an aerial vehicle (e.g., a jet plane, an airplane, a helicopter, etc.), or a marine vehicle (e.g., a boat, a submarine, etc.).

Still referring to fig. 5, the fire suppression system 800 includes a fire suppressant tank 812 (e.g., vessel, container, tub, drum, tank, canister, pressure vessel, canister, or tank, etc.). The fire suppressant tank 812 defines an interior volume 814 that is filled (e.g., partially, completely, etc.) with fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is generally not pressurized (e.g., near atmospheric pressure). The fire suppressant tank 812 includes a neck member 816 (e.g., an exchange section). The neck member 816 permits exhaust gas to flow into the interior volume 814 and permits a fire suppressant to flow out of the interior volume 814 so that the fire suppressant may be supplied to the fire.

The fire suppression system 800 further includes a cartridge 820 (e.g., a vessel, container, bucket, drum, tank, canister, pressure vessel, cartridge, canister, or the like). The cartridge 820 defines an internal volume 822 configured to contain a volume of pressurized exhaust gas. The exhaust gas may be an inert gas. In some embodiments, the exhaust gas is air, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen. The cartridge 820 includes a neck member 824 (e.g., an outlet portion or outlet section). The neck member 824 defines an outlet fluidly coupled to the internal volume 822. Thus, exhaust gases may exit the cartridge 820 through the neck member 824. The cartridge 820 may be rechargeable or disposable after use. In some embodiments where the cartridge 820 is rechargeable, additional exhaust gas may be supplied to the internal volume 822 through the neck member 824.

Fire suppression system 800 further includes an actuator 830 (e.g., a valve, piercing device, or activator assembly). The actuator 830 includes a receiver 832 (e.g., adapter, coupler, interfacing means, receiving means, engaging means, etc.) configured to receive the neck member 824 of the cartridge 820. The neck member 824 is selectively coupled to the receiver 832 (e.g., by a threaded connection, etc.). Decoupling the cartridge 820 from the actuator 830 facilitates removal and replacement of the cartridge 820 when the cartridge 820 is depleted. An actuator 830 is fluidly coupled to neck member 816 of fire suppressant tank 812 by a hose 834 (e.g., a conduit, tubular member, pipe, fixed pipe, piping system, etc.).

The actuator 830 includes an activation mechanism 836 configured to selectively fluidly couple the interior volume 822 to the neck member 816. In some embodiments, the activation mechanism 836 includes one or more valves that selectively fluidly couple the internal volume 822 to the hose 834. The valve may be actuated mechanically, electrically, manually, or otherwise. In some such embodiments, the neck member 824 includes a valve that selectively prevents exhaust gas from flowing through the neck member 824. Such a valve may be operated manually (e.g., by a lever or knob on the exterior of the cartridge 820, etc.) or may be opened automatically after the neck member 824 is engaged with the actuator 830. This valve facilitates removal of the cartridge 820 prior to exhaustion of the exhaust gas. In other embodiments, the cartridge 820 is sealed and the activation mechanism 836 includes a pin, knife, nail, or other sharp object that the actuator 830 forces into contact with the cartridge 820. This pierces the outer surface of the cartridge 820, fluidly coupling the interior volume 822 with the actuator 830. In some embodiments, activation mechanism 836 pierces cartridge 820 only when actuator 830 is activated. In some such embodiments, the activation mechanism 836 omits any valves that control the flow of exhaust gas to the hose 834. In other embodiments, the activation mechanism 836 automatically pierces the cartridge 820 when the neck member 824 engages the actuator 830.

Once the actuator 830 is activated and the cartridge 820 is fluidly coupled to the hose 834, exhaust gas from the cartridge 820 freely flows through the neck member 824, the actuator 830, and the hose 834 and into the neck member 816. The exhaust gases force fire suppressant from the fire suppressant tank 812 out through the neck member 816 and into a conduit 840 (e.g., a pipe or hose). In one embodiment, neck 816 directs exhaust gases from hose 834 to a top portion of internal volume 814. The neck member 816 defines an outlet (e.g., using a siphon tube, etc.) near the bottom of the fire suppressant tank 812. The pressure of the exhaust gas at the top of the interior volume 814 forces the fire suppressant out through the outlet and into the line 840. In other embodiments, the exhaust gas enters an air bag within the fire suppressant tank 812, and the air bag squeezes the fire suppressant to force the fire suppressant out through the neck 816. In still other embodiments, piping 840 and hose 834 are coupled to the fire suppressant tank 812 at different locations. By way of example, a hose 834 may be coupled to the top of the fire suppressant tank 812, and a pipe 840 may be coupled to the bottom of the fire suppressant tank 812. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant tank 812 contains a burst disk that prevents the fire suppressant from flowing out through the neck 816 until the pressure within the interior volume 814 exceeds a threshold pressure. Once the pressure exceeds the threshold pressure, the burst disk ruptures, thereby permitting the flow of the fire suppressant. Alternatively, the fire suppressant tank 812 may include a valve, piercing device, or another type of opening device or activator assembly configured to fluidly couple the interior volume 814 to the conduit 840 in response to the pressure within the interior volume 814 exceeding a threshold pressure. Such an opening device may be configured to be mechanically activated (e.g., the force of the pressure causes the opening device to activate, etc.), or the opening device may include a separate pressure sensor in communication with the interior volume 814 that causes the opening device to activate.

The conduit 840 is fluidly coupled to a nozzle 842 (e.g., one or more outlets or injectors, such as a nozzle, a sprinkler head, a release device, a dispersion device, etc.). The fire suppressant flows through line 840 and to nozzle 842. Nozzles 842 each define one or more apertures through which the fire suppressant is discharged, forming a spray of fire suppressant that covers the desired area. The spray from the nozzles 842 then suppresses or extinguishes the fire in the area. The orifice of the nozzle 842 may be shaped to control the spray pattern of the fire suppressant exiting the nozzle 842. The nozzle 842 may be aimed so that the spray covers a particular point of interest (e.g., a particular piece of restaurant equipment, a particular component within the engine compartment of a vehicle, etc.). The nozzles 842 may be configured such that all nozzles 842 are activated simultaneously, or the nozzles 842 may be configured such that only nozzles 842 in the vicinity of the fire are activated.

Fire suppression system 800 further includes an automatic activation system 850 that controls activation of actuator 830. The automatic activation system 850 is configured to monitor one or more conditions and determine whether the conditions indicate a nearby fire. Upon detection of a nearby fire, the automatic activation system 850 activates the actuator 830, causing the fire suppressant to exit the nozzle 842 and extinguish the fire.

In some embodiments, the actuator 830 is controlled mechanically. As shown in fig. 5, the automatic activation system 850 includes a mechanical system that includes a cable 852 (e.g., a tension member, such as a rope, cable, etc.) that applies a pulling force to the actuator 830. Without this pulling force, the actuator 830 would activate. The cable 852 is coupled to a fusible link 854, which fusible link 854 is in turn coupled to a stationary object (e.g., a wall, floor, etc.). The fusible link 854 includes two plates held with a solder alloy having a predetermined melting point. The first plate is coupled to the cable 852 and the second plate is coupled to a stationary object. When the ambient temperature around the fusible link 854 exceeds the melting point of the solder alloy, the solder melts, allowing the two plates to separate. This releases the tension on the cable 852 and the actuator 830 activates. In other embodiments, the automatic activation system 850 is another type of mechanical system that applies a force to the actuator 830 to activate the actuator 830. The automatic activation system 850 may include linkages, motors, hydraulic or pneumatic components (e.g., pumps, compressors, valves, cylinders, hoses, etc.), or other types of mechanical components configured to activate the actuator 830. Some portions of the automatic activation system 850 (e.g., compressors, hoses, valves, and other pneumatic components, etc.) may be shared with other portions of the fire suppression system 800 (e.g., the manual activation system 860), or vice versa.

The actuator 830 may additionally or alternatively be configured to activate in response to receiving an electrical signal from the automatic activation system 850. Referring to fig. 5, the automatic activation system 850 includes a controller 856 that monitors signals from one or more temperature sensors 858 (e.g., fire detectors or sensors, such as thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, etc.). The controller 856 can use signals from the temperature sensor 858 to determine whether the ambient temperature has exceeded a threshold temperature. After determining that the ambient temperature has exceeded the threshold temperature, the controller 856 provides an electrical signal to the actuator 830. The actuator 830 is then activated in response to receiving the electrical signal.

Fire suppression system 800 further includes a manual activation system 860 that controls the activation of actuator 830. The manual activation system 860 is configured to activate the actuator 830 in response to an input from an operator. In addition to the automatic activation system 850, a manual activation system 860 may be included. Both the automatic activation system 850 and the manual activation system 860 may independently activate the actuator 830. By way of example, the automatic activation system 850 may activate the actuator 830 regardless of any input from the manual activation system 860.

As shown in fig. 5, the automatic activation system 860 includes a mechanical system that includes a cable 862 (e.g., a tensile member, such as a rope, cable, etc.) coupled to the actuator 830. The cable 862 is coupled to a button 864 (e.g., a human interface device such as a button, lever, switch, knob, pull ring, etc.). The button 864 is configured to exert a pulling force on the cable 862 when depressed, and this pulling force is transferred to the actuator 830. The actuator 830 activates after experiencing a pulling force. In other embodiments, the automatic activation system 860 is another type of mechanical system that applies a force to the actuator 830 to activate the actuator 830. The manual activation system 860 may include linkages, motors, hydraulic or pneumatic components (e.g., pumps, compressors, valves, cylinders, hoses, etc.), or other types of mechanical components configured to activate the actuator 830.

The actuator 830 may additionally or alternatively be configured to activate in response to receiving an electrical signal from a manual activation system 860. As shown in fig. 5, a button 864 is operably coupled to the controller 856. The controller 856 may be configured to monitor the status (e.g., engaged, disengaged, etc.) of a human interface device or user input device. After determining that the human interface device is engaged, the controller provides an electrical signal to activate the actuator 830. By way of example, the controller 856 may be configured to monitor the signal from the button 864 to determine whether the button 864 is pressed. Upon detecting that the button 864 has been pressed, the controller 856 sends an electrical signal to the actuator 830 to activate the actuator 830.

The automatic activation system 850 and manual activation system 860 are shown as mechanically (e.g., applying a pulling force through a cable, by applying pressurized liquid, by applying pressurized gas, etc.) and electrically (e.g., by providing an electrical signal) activating the actuator 830. However, it should be understood that the automatic activation system 850 and/or the manual activation system 860 may be configured to activate the actuator 830 only mechanically, only electrically, or by some combination of the two. By way of example, the automatic activation system 850 may omit the controller 856 and activate the actuator 830 based on input from the fusible link 854. By way of another example, the automatic activation system 850 may omit the fusible link 854 and activate the actuator 830 using input from the controller 856.

With further reference to fig. 5, the fire suppression system 800 further includes a canister monitoring system 1000. The canister monitoring system 1000 may be configured to monitor the status of the fire suppression system 800 (e.g., monitor the level of fire suppressant in the fire suppressant tank 812, monitor the pressure of the fire suppressant tank 812 and/or canister 820, monitor the placement of the mounted components of the fire suppression system 800, etc.).

In some embodiments, the fire suppression device 20 is a component of the fire suppression system 800. Fire suppression equipment 20 may comprise any of the components or devices of fire suppression system 800. For example, fire suppressant tank 812, canister 820, hose 834, actuator 830, tubing 840, and nozzle 842 may be fire suppression equipment 20.

Referring specifically to fig. 6, a schematic illustration of a suppression system 600 is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system 600 includes a fire suppressant supply coupled to the nozzle 612 (e.g., a fixed nozzle) to protect hazardous H or areas where ignition sources and fuel or flammable materials may be found. As shown, the fire suppressant supply may include one or more storage tanks or cylinders 614 containing fire suppressant, such as a chemical agent. Each storage tank 614 cylinder may include a pressurized cylinder assembly 616 configured for pressurizing the cylinder 614 to deliver the agent to the nozzle 612 at operating pressure to address a fire in hazard H. In some embodiments, the pressurized cylinder assembly 616 includes a rupture device 616a that pierces a rupture disc of a pressurized cylinder 616b containing a pressurized gas (e.g., nitrogen) to pressurize the storage tank 614 for delivery of the fire suppressant.

To operate the rupturing device 616a, the system 600 may provide for automatic actuation and manual operation of the rupturing device 616a to provide for corresponding automatic and manual delivery of chemical agents to protect the hazard H in response to a fire. A preferred rupturing or actuating device or assembly 616a includes a piercing pin or member that is driven into the rupture disc of the pressurized cylinder 616b to release the pressurized gas. The piercing pin of the rupturing instrument 616a can be electrically or pneumatically actuated to pierce the rupture disc of the pressurizing cylinder 616 b.

Actuation device 616 preferably includes an elongate actuation device (PAD)618 for driving the piercing pin of the assembly into the rupture disc. The PAD 618 typically includes an electrically coupled rod or member disposed over the piercing pin. When an electrical signal is delivered to PAD 618, the rod of the PAD is driven directly or indirectly into the piercing pin that pierces the rupture disc of pressurized cylinder 616 b. A preferred pressurized cylinder assembly is shown in Table F-956143-05, which is attached to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/704,551 and shows known rupturing devices for manual and pneumatic or automatic electrical operation to drive a piercing pin. The system 600 provides automatic and manual operation of the PAD 618. Unlike previous industrial/fire suppression systems having a PAD and rupture disc, the preferred system 600 provides for motorized manual operation of the PAD 618, as explained in more detail below. The system 600 may further provide one or more remote manual stations 605 to manually actuate the system. As known in the art, the manual console 605 may rupture a canister of pressurized gas, such as nitrogen, at 1800psi to fill and pressurize the actuation line, which in turn drives the piercing pins of the rupture assembly 616a into the rupture disc, thereby actuating the system 600.

Referring to fig. 6, the preferred system includes a preferably centralized controller for automated and manual operation and monitoring of the system 600. More specifically, system 600 includes a centralized controller or Interface Control Module (ICM) 620. A display device 622 is preferably coupled to ICM 620, the display device 622 displaying information to the user and providing user input to ICM 620. An audio alarm or speaker 623 may also be coupled to ICM 620 to provide an audio alert regarding the status of system 600. More preferably, an audio alarm or sounder is incorporated into the housing of the display device 622 and is configured to operate in a wet environment.

To provide fire detection and actuation for the cylinder assemblies 616 and fire protection system, the ICM 620 further includes an input data bus 624 coupled to one or more detection sensors, an output data bus 626 coupled to the preferred PAD 618, and an input power bus 630 for powering the ICM 620 and control and actuation signals, as explained in more detail below. Input bus 624 preferably provides interconnection of digital and analog devices to ICM 620, and more preferably includes one or more fire detection devices 632 and preferably at least one manual actuation device 634. The fire detection devices 632 of the system 600 may include analog and digital devices for various modes of fire detection, including: (i) a spot heat detector 632a for determining when the ambient air exceeds a set temperature; (ii) a linear detection wire 632b that transmits detection signals from two wires that are contacted after the insulation materials separated in the presence of a fire are melted; (iii) an optical sensor 632c that distinguishes between open flame and hydrocarbon signatures; and (iv) a linear pressure detector 632d, wherein the pressure of the air line is increased in the presence of sufficient heat. An example of a detection device is shown and described, which is attached to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/704,551. The manual actuation device 634, preferably a manual button, sends an actuation signal to the ICM 620 for outputting an electrical actuation signal along the PAD 618 that is output to the pressurized cylinder assembly 616. Thus, the preferred system provides manual actuation of the system to the PAD via an electrical signal. The detection and manual actuation devices 632, 634 together define the detection circuitry of the system 600 for automatic or manual detection of a fire event.

The devices 632, 634 of the input bus 624 may be interconnected by two or more interconnected connection cables, which may include one or more sections of linear detection wires 632 b. The cables are preferably connected by a connector 625. The connection cable of input bus 624 is coupled to the ICM. The connecting cables of the input and

output buses

624, 626 preferably define a closed circuit with the ICM 620. Thus, the bus may include one or more branch terminators, for example, at the ends of the linear detection wires. In addition, the detection circuitry can include, for example, an end of line element that terminates the physically farthest end of the input bus and monitors the detection circuitry of system 600. The detection devices 632, 634 may be digital devices that communicate directly with ICM 620 as seen in fig. 1. Alternatively, the detection device may be an analog device coupled to one or more detection modules 636 for preferred digital communication with ICM 620.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the ICM 620 is preferably a programmable controller having a microprocessor or microchip. The ICM preferably receives input signals on the input bus 624 from the detection device 632 for processing, and, as appropriate, generates actuation signals to the PAD along the output bus 626. In addition, the processor is preferably configured to receive feedback signals from each of the input and output buses to determine the state of the system and its various components. More specifically, the ICM may include internal circuitry to detect the state of the input bus, i.e., in a normal state, a ground state, whether an open circuit is present, or whether a signal for manual release is present. In some embodiments, ICM 620 is configured to perform any of the functionality of controller 856 and/or control panel 12, as described in more detail above with reference to fig. 1-5.

Configuration of the exemplary embodiment

As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," "substantially," and the like are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the usual and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will appreciate that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be construed to indicate that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or variations of the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to imply that such embodiments must be a specific or best example).

As used herein, the term "coupled" means that two members are directly or indirectly joined to each other. This engagement may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). This engagement may be achieved by: the two members are coupled to each other directly, using separate intervening members and any additional intermediate members coupled to each other, or using intervening members integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. Such components may be mechanically, electrically, and/or fluidically coupled.

As used herein, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) such that when used in connection with a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless specifically stated otherwise, connection language such as the phrase "X, Y and at least one of Z" is understood to convey that the communicating element may be X, Y, Z; x and Y; x and Z; y and Z; or X, Y and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y and Z). Thus, unless otherwise indicated, this connection language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require the respective presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

References herein to the position of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may be different according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

The hardware and data processing components described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits may be implemented or performed with: a general purpose single-or multi-chip processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, certain processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory units, storage devices, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers, and modules described in this disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicatively connected to the processor via the processing circuitry and includes computer code for performing (e.g., by the processing circuitry and/or the processor) one or more processes described herein.

The present disclosure encompasses methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media for implementing various operations. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using an existing computer processor, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the drawings and description may illustrate a particular order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from that depicted and described unless the above is specified in a different manner. Further, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously, unless specified differently above. Such variations may depend on, for example, the hardware and software system selected and designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods can be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the fire suppression system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A fire suppression system for a vehicle, the fire suppression system comprising:

a housing;

a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing and configured to provide power to a system of the vehicle;

an exhaust gas detector coupled to the housing and configured to detect a presence of exhaust gas in the housing; and

a controller configured to:

receiving a signal from the exhaust gas detector indicating whether exhaust gas is detected in the housing; and

in response to detecting exhaust gas in the enclosure, a fire suppression device is activated to provide a fire suppressant to either the exterior or the interior of the enclosure.

2. The fire suppression system of claim 1, further comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to be disposed about the vehicle and detect temperatures at a plurality of locations about the vehicle.

3. The fire suppression system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the fire suppression apparatus to provide the fire suppressant to one or more of the plurality of locations around the vehicle based on a detected temperature.

4. The fire suppression system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas detector comprises a plurality of exhaust gas detectors, wherein each of the plurality of exhaust gas detectors is configured to detect the presence of exhaust gas emitted by a corresponding plurality of battery cells.

5. The fire suppression system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas detector is configured to detect a presence or concentration of any of lithium ion battery exhaust gas, carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, ash, smoke, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, ammonia, chlorine, propane, ozone, ethanol, hydrocarbons, hydrogen cyanide, combustibles, flammable gases, toxic gases, corrosive gases, oxidizing gases, or electrolyte vapors in an air sample.

6. The fire suppression system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:

receiving a signal indicative of a concentration of exhaust gas from the exhaust gas detector;

comparing the concentration of exhaust gas to a threshold value; and

activating the fire suppression device in response to the concentration of exhaust gas in an air sample exceeding the threshold.

7. The fire suppression system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to deactivate the plurality of battery cells in response to detecting the exhaust gas in the enclosure.

8. A fire suppression system as recited in claim 1 wherein the plurality of battery cells are detachable from the housing.

9. The fire suppression system of claim 1, further comprising a first fire suppression device and a second fire suppression device, wherein the first fire suppression device is configured to provide a first type of fire suppressant to the enclosure, and the second fire suppression device is configured to provide a second type of fire suppressant to the enclosure.

10. The fire suppression system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to activate the first fire suppression device to provide the first type of fire suppressant to the plurality of battery cells at a first time, and to activate the second fire suppression device to provide the second type of fire suppressant to the plurality of battery cells at a second time, wherein the second time occurs after the first time.

11. A vehicle, comprising:

a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing;

an exhaust gas detector disposed within the housing and configured to detect the presence of exhaust gas in the housing; and

a controller configured to:

in response to detecting exhaust gas in the enclosure, a fire suppression device is activated to provide a fire suppressant to the plurality of battery cells.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, further comprising a motor configured to draw power from the plurality of battery cells for one or more operations of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the one or more operations of the vehicle powered by the electric motor and the plurality of battery cells comprise any one of:

driving operation;

an illumination operation;

an accessory drive operation; or

Vehicle specific operations.

14. The vehicle of claim 11, further comprising one or more temperature sensors disposed about the vehicle and configured to detect temperatures at different locations about the vehicle.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the fire suppression apparatus to provide the fire suppressant to one or more of the different locations around the vehicle based on the detected temperature.

16. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the exhaust gas detector comprises a plurality of exhaust gas detectors, wherein each of the plurality of exhaust gas detectors is configured to detect the presence of exhaust gas emitted by a corresponding plurality of battery cells.

17. A method for detecting and responding to a fire condition of a vehicle, the method comprising:

sampling air in a battery rack of the vehicle, the battery rack including a plurality of batteries configured to power a vehicle system;

determining a concentration of the exhaust gas in the air sampled from the battery rack of the vehicle;

comparing the concentration of the exhaust gas in the air to a threshold concentration; and

activating a fire suppression system of the vehicle in response to the concentration of the exhaust gas in the air exceeding the threshold concentration.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

obtaining temperature data and smoke detection data from one or more sensors of the battery stand;

analyzing the temperature data and the smoke detection data to determine whether at least one of the temperature data or the smoke detection data indicates that a fire condition exists; and

activating the fire suppression system of the vehicle in response to at least one of the temperature data or the smoke detection data indicating the presence of the fire condition.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein obtaining the temperature data and the smoke detection data, analyzing the temperature data, and activating the fire suppression system are performed in response to the concentration of the exhaust gas in the air being less than the threshold concentration.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

in response to the concentration of the exhaust gas in the air exceeding the threshold concentration:

providing a warning to an operator of the vehicle; and

cutting off power to the battery rack.